Five days here and we are on our fifth day of meetings - of course! Friday arrived - social and meeting/hanging out. Saturday, forum all day. Sunday preached. Monday on the bus to Svishtov. Actually, two buses, via Veliko Turnovo, where we changed buses. The ride over the Shipka Pass was traditional and brought back memories. Those who have been with us before will know this mountain-top monument, and the great views from the road as we wind our way up and down. The road that was under construction last summer is now open, so without a detour or a distraction we pressed on towards Veliko. Change buses, and another hour and a half to Svishtov. Arriving in the middle of town, just a short taxi ride, oh, and carry the suitcases up three flights of stairs, and we're there! Tony and Dessi were glad to see us. Time to eat something, and off to a cell group meeting. About 14 of us gathered at a home near Pastor Tony and Dessi. Most of them we didn't know. Jane shared a great message about forgiveness, then I felt compelled to share a little more. We had some good questions, but most people didn't say anything. Either because a) they're a little quiet in front of foreigners, or b) They were thinking about it. That's right the answer is c) both of the previous reasons.

Wow, what great weather until today. Nice and sunny until today. I had to go out in the very slight drizzle that lasted about 10 minutes to sort out the phone situation. In Canada phone companies lock their phones. I dont' know what good it does them - they already have you on a contract. Then when yolur contract is up, you need to go and get a new phone for the new company. Not so in Bulgaria - or the rest of Europe!!! And it used to be that you could just go to a corner store and buy a sim, no questions asked. Presto, you have a Bulgarian phone number. Now you have to be registered. Evidently they had so much fraud and extortion using cell phones that they decideed they'd better protect people.

We had dinner last night at the Kashmir Restaurant. First time we've ever eaten inside. This restaurant was owned by our friend Milka, who died in February from a cancer she had battled and beaten once. It was sad walking up to the restaurant thinking about all the times we've eaten their with the team, and been greeated by Milka. If you're ever in Svishtov, the food there is great, try it out!

Must go now, we're on our way to the ferry across the Danube for the next part of our adventure - in Romania. If all goes according to plan we will be met by Renaud and Manuela and our friend Gabi, and drive to Kevin and Michelle Weppler's house in Draganesti-Olt. Talk to you later - we have to pack, again!